Heritage railway operating since 1878

In 1878, construction commenced on the Port Augusta and Government Gums (now known as Farina, which is north of the Flinders Ranges) Railway. The line was extended to Oodnadatta in 1891 and further to Alice Springs (771 miles or 1241 km) in 1929, establishing an important rail link to Central Australia. The famous Ghan passenger train travelled this way between 1923 to 1956, and on the northern part of this route until 1980.

You can enjoy a full-day or half-day trip aboard a restored steam or heritage diesel train on the original Ghan route between Port Augusta and Quorn on the Pichi Richi Railway.

Watch gum-lined creeks, bluebush-studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops roll past at the relaxed pace of years gone by. All trains use historic steam or diesel locomotives or railcars or immaculately restored timber carriages some more than 130 years old.

Since 1973, volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society continue to proudly restore and run the railway. In 2023 we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Society.

We operate on selected dates from March to November each year. Check our timetable, then book online or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245).

2023 SA Tourism Awards News

We were delighted to announce that Pichi Richi Railway received the Silver Award in the Tourist Attraction category at the 2023 South Australian Tourism Awards.  

100th Anniversary of the naming of the Ghan

Media release